"Decoding the Festivities: Welcoming Onam 2022 into Our Calendars"
"Discover the Onam 2022 date & join in the celebration of Kerala's grand festival honoring King Mahabali. Stay updated with key rituals and traditions."
Onam, the heart of Kerala's festive calendar, is a significant celebration that embraces the spirit of unity, diversity, and rich cultural heritage of the state. As an expert Hindu, I eagerly anticipate this promising occasion every year. For 2022, this ten-day-long grand festival is expected to commence on 12th August and conclude on 23rd August, with Thiruvonam, the most celebrated day, falling on 21st August.
In Hindu tradition, Onam is celebrated to commemorate the return of the benevolent and righteous Asura King Mahabali. The story tells of King Mahabali who was revered by his subjects, but due to his growing popularity, the Devas felt threatened and sought the help of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu, in the disguise of a dwarf Brahmin called Vamana, tricked the king into giving him as much land as he could cover in three steps. In those steps, he covered the earth, the skies, and with nowhere left to step, King Mahabali offered his own head, sending him to the netherworld. Touched by the king's devotion, Lord Vishnu granted him a boon to visit his subjects once a year. This mythical return is celebrated as Onam, a festival of harvest and gratitude.
During Onam, Kerala adorns a festive look with houses decorated with Pookalams, a floral carpet laid in the front yard, and feasts prepared that include a variety of traditional dishes, served on a banana leaf. There are also various cultural performances including the snake boat race, Pulikali, and Kaikottikali. The air is filled with joy and fervour, fostering a sense of community and brotherhood.
This year, even though the pandemic may affect the traditional grandeur, the spirit of Onam remains unaffected. As we eagerly await the arrival of Onam in 2022, it's a reminder of the importance of unity, sharing, and gratitude towards nature's bounty. It's a time to appreciate the rich cultural heritage of Kerala and indulge in its traditional delicacies. Despite the physical distance, Onam will once again bring hearts closer, transcending the barriers of language and region.
